Scooping Monkey Poo with a Whisk: Reflections on the First-Time Author Process

Monkey Poo

The Saffron Cross manuscript is due to Upper Room Books in one month. This means that the next 31 days will be consumed with reviewing, revising, rewriting, and polishing 54,000 words.

It’s like scooping monkey poo with a whisk.

Writing a book is not for the faint of heart. But then again, neither is any personal or professional goal worth attaining.

Drama

Like most first-time authors, I began the book-writing process as a confident, stoic artist propelled by daydreams of New York Times Best Seller lists.

Now: I’ve aged 20 years in four months; I’m dramatic and moody, swinging the pendulum from narcissism to panic.

What was I writing about in the first place?

Back to Basics

Once I finish bemoaning the fact that I’m the broken instrument chosen to for this Christian-Hindu interfaith marriage story, I discover the center again: God.

The one, holy, merciful God who brought Fred and me together on this remarkable path that has strengthened our individual and collective religious journeys. I am called to share the message of how and why this marriage works, when it falls apart, and what keeps it together.

This is Saffron Cross, the Christian-Hindu interfaith marriage journey. Monkey poo and all.